Conley, Brumbaugh out as Syracuse University assistant football coaches

Frank Ordoñez / The Post-StandardDan Conley instructs Syracuse University safety Shamarko Thomas during special teams work at an Orange practice in August.

Syracuse, NY -- Two coaching changes have been made on the Syracuse University football staff, and one new assistant has been hired, Orange head coach Doug Marrone confirmed today.

Linebackers coach Dan Conley and defensive tackles coach Jimmy Brumbaugh will not be assistants for SU when spring football begins on March 20, Marrone said.

The head coach said he has added one new coach to the program -- Eastern Michigan linebackers coach Steve Morrison. He will coach the SU linebackers.

Conley, 41, is a former star linebacker at SU in the early 1990s. He just completed his fourth year as linebackers coach for the Orange. Brumbaugh, 35, was an SU assistant for two years, coaching the defensive line in 2010 and working with defensive tackles last season.

"They’re exploring other opportunities, whether its here or elsewhere," Marrone said of the two assistants.

Frank Ordoñez / The Post-StandardJimmy Brumbaugh works with players during a Syracuse University practice in August.

Reached at home, Conley confirmed that his situation at SU would change. He wouldn't discuss what other job he might have with the program or if he will stay with the Orange.

"I appreciate the opportunity to continue to be a part of the program in whatever capacity Coach Marrone feels is right," he said.

Brumbaugh could not be reached for comment. The former All-SEC defensive tackle at Auburn University came to the Orange after coaching the defensive line at Louisiana Tech in 2008-09.

Morrison, 40, is a former All-Big Ten linebacker at Michigan who has several ties to Orange coaches. He played at Michigan with SU running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley.

More importantly, Morrison coached the defensive line and linebackers at Western Michigan in 2005-06 under current SU defensive coordinator Scott Shafer.

Morrison rose to defensive coordinator for the Broncos after Shafer left, holding that job in 2008-09. He was fired after that season and took a job coaching linebackers at Eastern Michigan.

Current SU defensive ends coach Tim Daoust also was at Western Michigan during those years, coaching the defensive line and backs under both Shafer and Morrison.

Marrone said he was still looking to hire another assistant. He didn't specify what the next hire would be, or how coaching responsibilities might change after the position is filled.